Sri Venkatesa Perumal Kovil
Lord Sri Lakshmi Narayana (Sri Venkatesa Perumal) is the prime deity in this Perumal kovil, considered to be over 500 years old. The Lord has his consort, Sow. BhoomiDevi (Sridevi), in his left thigh, in the sanctum sanctorum of this temple. This statue is considered one of the prime examples of the Chola architecture of that period.
Since Indian Independence and given the changing nature of the Indian society and its inclusiveness, the responsibilities of managing the various temple activities have been divided across several families. The overall management was divided amongst five families. Several families also got responsibilities of conducting the various festivals and utsavams (including Sri Rama Navami, Avani Avittam, Vaikunta Ekadasi, Akshaya Thrithiyai etc.). It is an attestation to the devotion of these families that, even to this day, they continue the seva that they were given.
The fame and glory of Sri Venkatesa Perumal was known to the rest of the world in the early 17th century by Sri Narayana Theerthar. Sri Narayana Theerthar came to Varagur, following a white pig (Varaha), where the Lord cured his acute stomach ache. Sri Narayana Theerthar then sang the Krishna Leela Tharangini.
It is said that Lord Venkatesa danced in this temple to the tunes of the Krishna Leela Tharangini, when they were sung by Sri Narayana Theertha to the tunes of Sri Anjaneya.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Sri Venkatesa Perumal Kovil?
At Varagur, a village about 25 kilometres from Thanjavur in Tamil Nadu, India. The coordinates are 10.84° N, 78.99° E.
How old is the temple?
The sanctum is more than 500 years old. The moolavar of Sri Lakshmi Narayana is considered an example of Chola-period architecture, and archaeological tradition attributes its installation to the Paranthaka Chola king, also known as Veera Narayanan.
Who is the main deity?
Sri Lakshmi Narayana, known here as Sri Venkatesa Perumal, with his consort Bhoomi Devi (Sridevi) on his left thigh in the sanctum.
What is the main festival at the temple?
Uriyadi — a ten-day Janmashtami festival that begins on Gayathri Japam Day (the day after Avani Avittam) and concludes the day after Krishna Astami.
What is the connection between this temple and Sri Narayana Theerthar?
Sri Narayana Theerthar received Viswaroopa Darshan of Sri Venkatesa Perumal at this temple and is said to have attained Deva Mukthi here. He composed the Krishna Leela Tharangini during his time at Varagur, and tradition holds that Lord Venkatesa danced to its tunes when sung at this temple.